Evaluation of the California American Academy of Pediatrics Resident Advocacy Rotation: A State-Wide Collaborative Approach to Teaching Advocacy to Pediatric Trainees

BackgroundIn 2021, the California Collaborative in Community Pediatrics and Legislative Advocacy Training and California's American Academy of Pediatrics co-developed the Resident Advocacy Rotation (RAR).This twice-monthly virtual workshop for pediatric trainees focuses on child health policy and advocacy skills, taught by faculty from across the state.We describe trainee and faculty satisfaction and perceived impact after the first three years of the RAR. MethodologyBetween July 2021 and June 2024, all trainees who participated in RAR were invited to complete a satisfaction survey immediately following the session.Faculty who facilitated RAR sessions or led Community Pediatrics/Advocacy rotations were invited to complete a satisfaction survey between January and May 2024.Multiple-choice questions in the trainee and faculty surveys were analyzed using descriptive statistics.Open-ended questions were analyzed inductively using conventional content analysis. ResultsA total of 67 RAR sessions were delivered, with 312/721 (43%) registered trainees from 13 residency programs completing the survey.Trainees agreed that RAR included content they hoped to gain, effectively taught advocacy skills, and introduced new ideas.Trainees highlighted the value of learning about advocacy resources, skills, and collaborating with trainees from other programs.Overall, 17 of 25 (68%) faculty facilitators completed the survey, representing 10 residencies.Faculty identified passion for teaching, collaborating across the state, partnering with community organizations, and growing their own skills and career as the most rewarding aspects of participating in RAR. ConclusionsRAR was viewed favorably by both trainees and faculty facilitators, suggesting that a collaborative statewide curriculum is a well-received and feasible approach to advocacy education.